Starring: Sheri Hagen, Melodie Wakivuamina

Directed by Jerry Hoffman

Noé finds a motionless android in the forest, takes it home with her and reactivates it. It’s the beginning of a strange relationship.

At 26 minutes, Jerry Hoffman’s all-female sci-fi never outstays its welcome, and yet leaves you yearning for more. The thesis movie of producer Stella Flicker, it feels like the opening act of a movie (its production values are top drawer), drawing you in to the narrative, which gradually gives away its secrets.

Sheri Hagen and Melodie Wakivuamina are excellent as Noe and the synthetic girl, the latter utterly convincing as the android that desperately wants to learn. It’s a similar performance to the disconcerting movements of the synths in Humans, her eyes forever distant and searching. There’s a great rapport between the duo and a melancholy to Noe’s life that her guest may help to address.

Verdict: A Pinocchio for the 21st century, this charming fairy tale sci-fi short set in the woods is well worth your time if you can catch it at a festival. 8/10

Nick Joy

The film screens at Cleveland International Film Festival from April 7th to April 20th.